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Hospitality Mavericks™ Podcast Show

All Episodes

#317 Nicole Antonio-Gadsdon Founder at Banana Pepper HR - Hiring for Human Magic and Hospitality Alchemists
Feb. 19, 2026

#317 Nicole Antonio-Gadsdon Founder at Banana Pepper HR - Hiring for …

Michael welcomes Nicole back to discuss her new book, "Help Wanted," focused on finding “human magic” in hiring—going beyond technical skills and surface-level values fit to build teams and cultures that can withstand challen...

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#316 Jack Stack CEO at SRC and The Great Game of Business - Unlocking Business Success with Open Book Management
Feb. 5, 2026

#316 Jack Stack CEO at SRC and The Great Game of Business - Unlocking…

In this episode, Michael engages in a fascinating conversation with Jack Stack, a pioneer of open book management and the author of 'The Great Game of Business.' Jack shares his journey from working for a Fortune 500 company ...

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#315 Ally Gordon Coach | Confidant | Mentor - Embracing Change and the Power of the Nervous System
Jan. 22, 2026

#315 Ally Gordon Coach | Confidant | Mentor - Embracing Change and th…

In this insightful episode, Michael and Ally discuss their annual meetings focused on self-improvement and navigating life transitions. They reflect on the last year's theme of managing transitions, driven largely by personal...

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#3 A Podcast Series with Openr & Mark Felix, CCO of The AA - Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Pricing Strategy in Hospitality
Jan. 15, 2026

#3 A Podcast Series with Openr & Mark Felix, CCO of The AA - Unlockin…

In episode three, host Michael and special guests Mark Felix and Joel Robinson dive into the intricacies of pricing strategy, drawing valuable lessons from the retail and hospitality sectors. Joel, founder of Openr, shares in...

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#314 Cassie Davison Founder Kith & Kin Hospitality - Crafting Purpose-Driven Success
Jan. 8, 2026

#314 Cassie Davison Founder Kith & Kin Hospitality - Crafting Purpose…

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of hospitality with Cassie Davison, the author of 'Standout Hospitality.' Cassie brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and shares insights from her journey...

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#313 Greg Mangham Founder & CEO at Only A Pavement Away - Transforming Lives Through Hospitality
Dec. 18, 2025

#313 Greg Mangham Founder & CEO at Only A Pavement Away - Transformin…

In this episode, Michael talks with Greg from 'Only A Pavement Away,' a charity co-founded by Greg and his wife, Jill, to help disadvantaged individuals secure employment in the hospitality sector. Greg shares the story behin...

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#Bonus Episode with Henry Matson Apron. - Solving Financial Pain Points in Hospitality
Dec. 16, 2025

#Bonus Episode with Henry Matson Apron. - Solving Financial Pain Poin…

In this episode, Michael welcomes Henry from Apron to discuss the financial pain points faced by hospitality operators. They delve into how Apron, founded in 2022, helps streamline business payments with consumer-grade simpli...

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#2 A Podcast Series with Openr & Stephen Rothwell, Founder of Eagle Eye Solutions - Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Customer Experience in Hospitality
Dec. 9, 2025

#2 A Podcast Series with Openr & Stephen Rothwell, Founder of Eagle E…

In this episode, Michael, Joel and Stephen discuss the significant lag in technological advancements within the hospitality industry, particularly in back-office systems and data processing. Despite recent efforts made due to...

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#312 Marc Summers Founder & CEO at Bubala - Building a Plant-Based Restaurant Empire
Dec. 4, 2025

#312 Marc Summers Founder & CEO at Bubala - Building a Plant-Based Re…

In this episode, Michael welcomes Marc Summers, a restauranteur with a bold and ambitious vision, to discuss his journey from a corporate finance career to creating a successful plant-based restaurant chain. Featuring stories...

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#311 Trudi Parr Head of People at Mollie's - Building People-Centric Hospitality
Nov. 20, 2025

#311 Trudi Parr Head of People at Mollie's - Building People-Centric …

In this episode, Michael interviews Trudi Parr, a hospitality professional with a vibrant journey that spans across media, tourism, and the evolving hotel industry. Trudi shares her unplanned yet fulfilling entry into hospita...

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#310 Ellie Ledden Chef Educator at Prept - Empowering Future Generations Through Food Education
Nov. 6, 2025

#310 Ellie Ledden Chef Educator at Prept - Empowering Future Generati…

In this episode, Michael is joined by Ellie from the Prep Foundation to discuss how the foundation educates young people about nutrition and cooking, especially with the decline in food tech education due to reduced school fu...

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#309 Tommy Giraux Head of Restaurant Systems at Honest Burguers - Utilizing AI to Enhance Hospitality
Oct. 23, 2025

#309 Tommy Giraux Head of Restaurant Systems at Honest Burguers - Uti…

In this episode, Michael engages in a detailed conversation with Tommy Giraux, the Head of Restaurant Systems at Honest Burgers. Tommy shares his extensive experience in the hospitality and retail industry across France and t...

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#1 A Podcast Series with OpenR - The Future with Common Data Models and Tech Solutions
Oct. 7, 2025

#1 A Podcast Series with OpenR - The Future with Common Data Models a…

In this episode, industry veterans Steve Holmes, and Joel Robinson discuss the rapid evolution in the hospitality sector brought about by technology and the pandemic. They explore how traditional methods no longer suffice and...

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#308 Filip Linek Founder at BE‑A - Reinventing Hospitality with AI and Robotics
Sept. 25, 2025

#308 Filip Linek Founder at BE‑A - Reinventing Hospitality with AI an…

In this episode, Michael welcomes Filip Linek, a hotel operator turned tech innovator, to discuss the advancements in AI and robotics in the hospitality industry. Filip shares his journey from running a packaging company to o...

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#307 Jannes Sörensen Founder of Kepler - Leaders on Creating Transformative Guest Experiences
Sept. 11, 2025

#307 Jannes Sörensen Founder of Kepler - Leaders on Creating Transfor…

In this episode of the Hospitality Mavericks podcast, host Michael engages with Jannes Sörensen, founder of Kepler Hotel Group and Kepler International Hospitality Academy. They discuss how the Kepler brand aims to redefine l...

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#306 Gareth Rees Founder at Attention Deficit Hospitality Disorder - Embracing Neurodiversity in Hospitality
Aug. 28, 2025

#306 Gareth Rees Founder at Attention Deficit Hospitality Disorder - …

This episode delves into the topic of neurodiversity within the hospitality industry, particularly focusing on ADHD. Michael, alongside guest Gareth, explores how recognizing and accommodating neurodiversity can lead to bette...

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#305 Geoffrey Toffetti CEO of Frontline Performance Group - Transforming Frontline Teams and Boosting Sales
Aug. 14, 2025

#305 Geoffrey Toffetti CEO of Frontline Performance Group - Transform…

In this episode, the discussion centers around the significant impact of investing in frontline teams to enhance business performance in the hospitality industry. Geoffrey Toffetti shares their journey from modest beginnings ...

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#304 James Bates MD & Co-Founder of QVO Hospitality - A Journey of Growth, Challenges, and Unforgettable Experiences
July 31, 2025

#304 James Bates MD & Co-Founder of QVO Hospitality - A Journey of Gr…

In this episode, James Bates from QVO Hospitality shares the journey from the inception of his business in 2014 to its current status with multiple restaurant locations. Over nearly a decade, James and his team have navigated...

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#303 Howard Lewis Founder at Offline - Embracing Vulnerability and Building Community
July 17, 2025

#303 Howard Lewis Founder at Offline - Embracing Vulnerability and Bu…

In this conversation, Howard and Michael explore the themes of disconnecting from technology, fostering community, and nurturing genuine human connections. Howard, who organised 'offline dinners,' shares insights from his jou...

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#302 Sam Coulstock Founder at Inspired - Unlocking the Potential of the Next Generation
July 3, 2025

#302 Sam Coulstock Founder at Inspired - Unlocking the Potential of t…

In this episode, Michael welcomes Sam Coulstock to discuss the challenges and opportunities in preparing the next generation for the workforce. Sam shares his journey from being an aspiring chef to spearheading Inspired Commu...

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#301 Jo Harley Co-Founder at Korero - The Power of Value-Led Business and Feedback
June 19, 2025

#301 Jo Harley Co-Founder at Korero - The Power of Value-Led Business…

In this insightful episode, Michael engages with Jo Harley to discuss the importance of value-led businesses, the power of feedback, and how putting people first can be a competitive edge. Jo shares her journey in the hospita...

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#300 Greg Früchtenicht COO at Saira Hospitality - Transforming Lives Through Hospitality
June 5, 2025

#300 Greg Früchtenicht COO at Saira Hospitality - Transforming Lives …

In this episode, the guest is Greg from Saira Hospitality, an organization dedicated to transforming the hospitality industry by helping local communities find meaningful employment. Greg discusses the origins of Saira Hospit...

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#299 Ben Dixon Co-Founder at Sona - The Future of AI in Hospitality
May 22, 2025

#299 Ben Dixon Co-Founder at Sona - The Future of AI in Hospitality

In this episode, Michael engages in an insightful conversation with Ben, co-founder of Sona, about the transformative potential of AI in the hospitality industry. They explore how AI can serve as an enabler for operators, enh...

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#298 Vimal Arumugam Co-Founder and CEO at Baked Bird - Redefining Fast Food with a Healthy Twist
May 8, 2025

#298 Vimal Arumugam Co-Founder and CEO at Baked Bird - Redefining Fas…

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Vimal Arumugam, the co-founder of Baked Bird, a unique baked chicken concept. Vimal shares the inception story of Baked Bird, which began from a shared love for chicken wings and ...

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